ECOWAS Kicks Off Trade Talks in Abuja, Evaluate Cooperation Agreements. By Raymond Enoch

With global trade rules evolving fast and economic headwinds blowing from every direction, ECOWAS has launched a high-stakes trade meeting in Abuja Nigeria to recalibrate West Africa’s trade game plan.

The three-day gathering, convened by the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Trade, brings together senior trade officials and experts from across the region to tackle pressing policy issues—from U.S. tariff shocks to unfinished African trade deals.

At the heart of the discussions is a deep dive into the fallout from the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference. The goal is to ensure West Africa’s interests aren’t sidelined in the shifting sands of global commerce.

Delegates are also unpacking the impact of fresh U.S. tariffs on key imports, debating how best to position ECOWAS within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and reviewing a proposed cooperation deal between national governments and the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA).

“These talks are critical. They’re about protecting our markets, boosting intra-African trade, and making sure our voice carries weight in global negotiations,” said a senior trade official at the event.

Also on the table: the sensitive issue of renegotiating bound tariffs at the World Trade Organization—a move that could redefine how West African countries shield their domestic industries.

While the technical nature of the talks might not grab everyday headlines, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The decisions made here will shape the region’s trade rules, market access, and competitiveness for years to come.

Outcomes from this expert-level forum will feed directly into the next Ministerial meeting, where final policy calls will be made.

For ECOWAS, this is more than just another meeting .It’s a strategic reset at a time when trade has become a high-stakes geopolitical chessboard—and West Africa is making its move.